One For The Record Books

Call us crazy, but John Thomas and I might have been the only people in Knoxville who chose to go north for Spring Break.  I had no idea how to pack and was only hoping that it would be warm enough to enjoy a little bit of fresh air while we were there.  Boy were we surprised!  Green Bay actually had record-breaking heat all week!  No kidding, we even saw eighty degree weather!  My little jet-setter did super on the plane rides.  You can, no doubt, tell that he thinks he's pretty cool stuff globe trotting all over the place.

Gramma and Poppy had quite the week planned out for us.  We ate so well, I think I even gained a pound or two. And John Thomas and his Gramma are peas in a pod. 

My parents have a huge yard that has a view of Green Bay.  John Thomas wanted to walk the field every day, and on most days twice!  Gramma also helped him ready for Easter egg hunts.  She was running a regular egg-hunt boot camp.  Be forewarned, this boy leaves no stone left unturned when it comes to finding all those hidden treasures!

Gramma and Poppy also thought John Thomas might enjoy some time on a three-wheeler.  That look on his face is sheer terror.  He rode it for all of about ten seconds all week! 

We also discovered a local playground that happened to have a few of his favorite things: swings, merry-go-rounds and dinosaurs (or as John Thomas calls them, "dinos")! 

This was one of the sunsets we got to take in from my parents back porch.  Green Bay is such a beautiful place when it's not covered in several feet of snow and so cold your eyeballs freeze in between blinks.

 Poppy even did a little handy work and built John Thomas his very own plane while we were there! 

 And, John Thomas didn't waste a second before he took it on a test flight.

 Sound effects and all!

 Over the couch.

Up, up and away!  Thank you Gramma and Poppy for such an awesome week!  We couldn't have asked for anything more!

No Pillow Fights?

So do you remember those spongy letters I was venting about last week?  Well John Thomas has found a new purpose for them...an accessory.  It was a letter "C" but it doubles as a visor.  It was a letter "O" but it doubles as a bracelet.  I guess toddlers haven't learned about the box that most of us adults struggle to think outside of. 

The cover for my book has been finalized!  I actually love it!  Several people have asked what the book is about.  It's a seven week faith-based challenge to live a life more actively focused on and demonstrative of the call to serve.  I love that only one house is in color because it symbolizes how one person or one home can bring life, energy, and purpose to a neighborhood, church or community.  Essentially, if you want the world to be a better place, then it's up to you to do something about it.

 As always, the last two weeks have included some really fun times.  Meeting at the library with Aunt Sarah and Lola.  We also played at the park with some friends.

 We even got to go to dinner with our neighbors, and JT's favorite buddies, Brody and Dare. 

If that weren't enough, I threw a slumber party this past Friday night.  Five of my closest girl friends came over in their PJs, we ate pizza and ice cream, we played games and eventually called it a night at about one in the morning.  No, there weren't any pillow fights.  But there was plenty of laughter, a few tears and lots of fun!  By the way, this picture in no way demonstrates how much fun we had (well maybe except for Kim :) ), but we were too busy cracking up to stop and pose for pics.  Love these ladies. 

Jump for Joy! It's Leap Year!

I cannot believe February has come and gone so quickly, especially considering there's an extra day squeezed into this month!  I guess time flies when you're having fun!  Or maybe...it's time flies when you don't have time to sit around and watch it because your busy chasing after, cooking for and cleaning up after a twenty-two month old.  Better yet, maybe it's a little of both!  The above picture is from last night's PHS boy's basketball game.  They beat Farragut in the first round of Regionals, go Panthers!  John Thomas had a blast cheering for the team!  I have to say I'm not surprised that he loves being at the games considering I spent most of my pregnancy coaching girls basketball.

Ummm...this is what the dinning room often looks like after John Thomas gets done playing.  He didn't actually throw anything, just gently turned the room upside down and had lots of fun in the process.  I thought the foam letters would be a great idea, but now I'm beginning to realize it is more like a daily puzzle for momma to put back together.  Just think, I used to be one of those people where everything had it's place.  Needless to say, I've thrown that philosophy out the window!  Before too long, I might be throwing the foam puzzle out the window as well!

The good news is that, in spite of his love for making a mess, John Thomas actually loves to help clean up too!  His favorite chore is the laundry.  He will actually go get both my basket and his, push them to the laundry room and then load the washing machine!  Now if he just keeps that up, learns how to cook a meal or two and use the lawn mower, he's going to make some lucky lady very happy in about 20 years!

As I referenced the other day, my book, LYFE (Live Your Faith Every day) will be coming out sometime mid-summer.  Thank goodness my best friend, Sarah, is an amazing photographer and helped shoot a picture of me for the back cover.  Of all the photos, this is the one that I sent to the publisher.  I've actually gotten to see the front cover, but they are still doing some tweaking so I won't share it with you until it's done.  For the five of you all that actually buy the book, thank you in advance for your support!  And no, I don't plan on doing any book signings, since the five of you who buy the book would be the only ones there :).

Isn't this sweet?  John Thomas has been asking for Lola all weekend and today we happened to get invited to the Cole/McAffry Sunday luncheon.  Steak, mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese, sauteed veggies...YUMMY!  After a meal like that I think we're both going to take a great nap this afternoon!  I can't believe the next time I post it'll be the week before Spring Break!

Who Is That Masked Man?

Welcome back to our world of toddler adventures and baby boys that are growing so fast, it's hard to believe. First off, it's a good thing we didn't make a New Year's resolution to lounge around the house, because we would be failing miserably.  We have been busy busy.  John Thomas started "tee-teeing" in the potty a few weeks ago.  He doesn't ask to use it, but whenever he wakes up and before evening bath time, he will sit and go like a big boy!  I know there is still a ways to go before he's officially potty trained, but hey, it's definitely a start! 

He's also discovered a few new favorite things to do around the house.  One of his new hiding spots is in the kitchen cabinet.  He takes all of the pots out to make a hideout that's just the right size. 

 Whenever he comes out, he says, "I see you!"  Did I mention I'm crazy about this boy? 

We've also had lots of time with Gramma, Poppy, Nana Gay and Tony!  My parents came in town last weekend and it's been awesome having them here!  Lots of family time and help around the house.  We're seriously going to miss them when they head back to Wisconsin tomorrow!

Gramma also wanted to see how John Thomas would do at the barber, since he was in need of a haircut.  As evidenced by the picture, he wouldn't even put the cape on.  So it was up to Momma the barber to work her magic again.  When I say magic, I mean try to cut his hair as fast as possible while leaving his ears firmly affixed to his head, all while he tries to get away from me.  He actually did better than ever for this haircut. 

John Thomas has also started wearing everyone else's shoes around the house.  He puts them on himself and, so far, has put the correct shoes on the correct feet.  I'm pretty sure that's just coincidence and not that our nearly 22 month old can tell his left from his right. 

 He's an equal opportunity shoe borrower. 

And he looks equally cute in all of them as well.  I couldn't resist just one bath time picture.  The bath is really more of a miniature swimming pool these days.  So if you ever get to help with bath time around here, you might want to dress appropriately.  On Tuesday, I'll get to celebrate Valentine's Day with my little valentine who will officially be 22 months old.  I simply can't believe it! 

Ugly Beautiful

     So if you're coming to Kirkpatrick's Corner this week in hopes of seeing really cute pictures of an adorable little boy and his faithful dog, Chester, you're just going to have to check back in two weeks. This week, I feel like I have to share something a bit more real. So here goes...
     Let me start by saying, please don't comment on this blog, or "like" it on Facebook, or send me a text or card. I am not sharing this with anyone for any other reason than it's time to let go. Today, I'm letting go of my secret. It's not a secret to many of you, but it's definitely something I have intentionally edited from my public, professional and blog-posting life. For the last six months I have been coping with and grieving the greatest loss of my life. It's not the tragic death of a loved one, technically. Rather it's the tragic death of the loss of my marriage. I'm going to omit details and finger-pointing, because it has nothing to do with writing this post. All I'll say is trying to overcome the loss of the only love I've ever known has been devastating. But, with the grace of God, the love of friends and family and the will to heal---I have been working through it.
     Since I cannot change the past, and I have learned that I cannot control the future, I have realized that the best way for me to deal with my new life is to try and learn from it as much as I can. Here's only a brief description of what I've garnered so far:

1. I am not in control and, even though I tried very hard, I have never been in control of my future. For more years than I care to acknowledge, I truly believed that if I made the right decisions--everything would always be fine. In a nutshell, I've learned that I make a horrible god.

2. Before all of this, I've never had to rely on my faith so much. Until last summer, I can honestly say that I've never had to call out to God in desperation. What a blessed life. I had lived thirty-two years and never hurt enough to beg for His help. I have learned that He keeps his promises.

3. I have learned that happiness isn't a guarantee, but neither is sadness. Life if full of the ugly beautiful. The miracle of babies, the unexplained loss of loved ones, natural disasters, the undeniable beauty of sunsets on snow-covered mountains, the kindness of a stranger. What I know, is that those moments that make me smile or take my breath away are not to be taken for granted. I took many things for granted. But in the backdrop of my recent life experience, I know that those moments of joy, of laughing till your crying, or the warm hug of the people that matter the most in the world are the most precious gifts. And in this life here, in the ugly-beautiful, I should relish it a little more.

4. John Thomas will never know that he saved my life. When I didn't know how to get out of bed, or couldn't fathom eating, I did it for him. He is my joy. He makes me smile, he is the sole provider of most all my hugs and kisses these days, and I am a very blessed mother. I am thankful for the past thirteen years of my life with Jason and the product of our love was our son. I wouldn't change THAT for anything.

In closing, I feel like I need to acknowledge that I have made lots of mistakes in the past and I'm, in no way, blaming anyone for what has happened. Blaming doesn't lead to healing, forgiveness does. To those of you who have supported either one of us, thank you. I can't imagine being a celebrity and having to go through this very painful process in the public eye. And I know I'm blogging about this, so to ask for discretion seems absurd. But what we need, what anyone needs who is going through a tough time, is love, support and prayers.

Extreme Fun!

Yesterday John Thomas turned twenty-one months old!  In case you're not great at math, that means he will be a two year old in three months! OMG!  Our not-so little boy is changing everyday!  He now loves to brush his teeth, much to his father's delight.  He also will repeat anything you say.  Some of my favorites lately are: "Wane wane go way", "Oopy daisy" and "I luv vu." 

We had a full week after New Years before I had to go back to work.  This was awesome because we were able to do all sorts of fun stuff.  One day we drove over to see Mamaw, my 93 year old grandmother.  Considering it was over two hours getting there and two hours getting home, he did great!  And I know we made her day!

We were also able to have some friends over to play and do some finger painting.  I'm sure there were some very happy grandparents and great grandparents who opened up mailboxes to find some of John Thomas' masterpieces this week.

We also built blanket forts and went to the library a few times for Baby Bookworms.  Seriously, we had a blast all week!

And thanks to my friend, Angelina, some of us girls ended up volunteering to help build a house for Extreme Makeover Home Edition this past Friday night.  Please notice all of the clothes.  We all had on about five layers because it was 20 degrees during our shift (8:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.).  We had so much fun carrying stone, drywall, mud, and 2x4s and getting dirty for a great cause!

This picture was taken about five hours in.  Those hats are hot!  Notice Angelina's absence, because she never sat down.  She was practically running the place by the time our shift was over.

In spite of being a little sore, we ventured out to Maggie and Jeremy's Saturday night to watch Tebow get stomped.  They have two little girls, Caroline and Hannah, so I think Jeremy kind of likes having a little boy around every once in a while.  On a different note of interest, some of you may remember a post from the summer that suggested I might get published.  Well, I've been working very hard, and this week I sent in the final edited version to the publisher.  There is still a lot of work to do, but it's starting to feel very real!

Auld Lang Syne

I'll admit, I don't even know what Auld Lang Syne means.  I hope it means, "it's gonna be a great year," because that's what we could all use.  So far it's off to a decent start, considering I don't have to go back to work until Friday.  Let me apologize in advance for all of the pictures on the blog this week.  Believe it or not, I actually left some photos out, even though you probably can't tell.  I guess I'll start with a quick (sort of) Christmas recap.  We've gotten to spend lots of time with our family and friends over the past two weeks.  Mom and I tried to take John Thomas to the mall to meet Santa and ride the train.  Meeting Santa was a flop.  John Thomas refused to get anywhere near the jolly old guy, so I guess we'll have to try again next year.  On the other hand, the train was a total hit.  He loved riding around in it so much that I had trouble getting him off the train when the ride was over.  If I'm being honest, he threw a fit in the middle of the mall, including rolling around on the mall floor.  I don't plan on going back to the mall with him anytime soon, for fear someone will recognize us. 

My parents came in and stayed the better part of a week.  He had so much fun playing with Gramma and Poppy and I know they had a blast hanging out with him!

Of course, Poppy was in charge of assembling all the Christmas fair, including a bus-slide.  John Thomas was able to play on his slide early, since my parents weren't able to be here Christmas morning.  He loves it!

As you can tell from the picture, he cheers himself on between each round of sliding.  He is such a mess and he knows it.

This is what our tree looked like on Christmas morning.  Santa did an excellent job this year in delivering a perfectly assembled (thanks Poppy) table and chairs set.

And when John Thomas woke up to Grandma Molly, Grandpa Danny, Daddy, Mommy, Chester and toys, he was a very happy boy!

 I think the caption on the picture below might be something like, "this is the best morning ever!"

 He didn't waste anytime digging into his stocking.

 It had a few of his favorite things, including Goldfish, bubbles and Playdoh.

 After the stocking, it was time for round two: the presents.

John Thomas got his first dump truck.  It cracks me up that he knew exactly what to do with it when he opened it.  He just dropped his bubbles in the back and took them for a spin.

The "wisest" toy he got was a stuffed owl from his Aunt Theresa.  He gave it a big hug right after he got it out of the box.  He is such a sweetie!

The grandparents must know him all too well, because they got him what is sure to be one of his favorite Christmas books, Bear Stays Up.  In case you missed it, notice the toilet in the background.  Daddy picked it out, and I'm sure it had to be the best throne on the market.  It might even have a bidet.  Wish us luck in our potty training efforts this year.

I wasn't sure if he'd take a nap or not, but he did.  And when that lucky boy woke up, the other set of grandparents were back in town to greet him. 

This boy is crazy about all of his grandparents and they are crazy about him!  Watching their faces light up, brings me so much joy. 

One of John Thomas' Christmas gifts from Mommy and Daddy was a four wheeler.  Although this is about as close as he gotten to riding it thus far.  Our boy is just not a risk-taker at all.  I am very thankful for this personality trait even though he definitely didn't get it from me. 

It's funny what kids think of when they don't know the function of something.  To me, it is clearly a beach bucket.  To him, it's clearly a fashionable, yet durable green hat.

After Christmas, I had the chance to go to Birmingham and meet the newest McCain, Marren Emma.  Stephanie and Tommy are doing great!  They are all adjusting to their new schedules, but it's obvious that their home is full of love.  Is it me, or is Marren smiling for the camera?  I know that 2012 will be such a fun-filled year for them and I hope and pray that it is a blessed year for all of you too.